This publication presents results, in respect of the 1998–99 financial year, from an Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) survey of businesses in the cleaning services industry. Businesses involved in the cleaning services industry are classified to Class 7866 (Cleaning Services) of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), which consists of businesses mainly engaged in cleaning of windows, building interiors and related cleaning services. Businesses mainly involved in the cleaning of building exteriors or cleaning of carpets and curtains were excluded from the survey.

SIZE OF INDUSTRY

At the end of June 1999, there were 5,938 businesses in the cleaning services industry, of which 2,864 (48%) were sole proprietorships or partnerships. The cleaning of commercial buildings and offices was the main cleaning activity of 2,899 businesses (49% of all businesses). The cleaning of education premises and domestic premises was the main activity of 776 businesses and 717 businesses respectively.

SOURCES OF INCOME

During 1998-99, the total income of the cleaning services industry was $2,137 million with 96% of this income being accrued from general cleaning services. Private sector clients accounted for 76 % ($1,555 million) and government clients 24% ($489 million) of the general cleaning services income.

EXPENDITURE

Total expenses for the cleaning services industry during 1998-99 were $1,981 million. Labour costs of $1,377 million represented 70% of total expenses for the industry.

EMPLOYMENT

At the end of June 1999, total employment in the cleaning services industry was 95,001 persons, of whom 90,267 persons (95%) worked as cleaners.

PROFITABILITY

In 1998-99, the operating profit before tax for the industry was $156 million, which represented an operating profit margin of 7.3%.